Olean hospital sleep unit returns to site

With a lease set to end in June, Olean General Hospital is moving its four-bed sleep center program out of the Hampton Inn and back into its own facilities.

The sleep disorder extension clinic has operated since 2007 from a third-floor wing of the Hampton Inn at 101 Main St. in Olean.

It was the first sleep center in the state to partner with a hotel, offering patients such amenities as wireless high-speed Internet, king-sized beds and complimentary breakfast.

According to plans filed with the state Department of Health, shifting the program a few blocks over to 500 Main St. will cost the hospital about $292,000, but will result in a significant reduction in rental expenses.

Olean General is part of the Upper Allegheny Health System, which also includes the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Bradford also has a sleep center at its campus. Both are among 2,500 centers nationwide accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The move for Olean’s sleep disorder clinic does not include an change in certified services and there are no changes anticipated in service volume, hospital officials said. About 1,100 patients come to the sleep center annually for diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia.

In its new space in a medical office building across from the hospital, patients will receive the same amenities, including a full bath, cable and flat-screen TV as well as Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.